Method to print multicolor images on edible pieces

Abstract

Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.

1 .- 46 . (canceled)  
   
   
       47 . A carrier bar comprising: 
 a main body including an upper surface and a lower surface;    at least one shaped recess formed within said main body along said upper surface, said shaped recess including a shallow and a deep end; and    at least one vacuum hole formed in said lower surface and that communicates with said deep end of the shaped recess.    
   
   
       48 . The carrier bar according to  claim 47 , wherein said vacuum hole is positioned at a lowermost portion of said deep end.  
   
   
       49 . The carrier bar according to  claim 47 , wherein said vacuum hole is positioned along a back side of the deep end.  
   
   
       50 . The carrier bar according to  claim 47 , wherein leading and trailing sides of the bar are provided with a tongue and a groove, respectively.  
   
   
       51 . The carrier bar according to  claim 47 , wherein leading and trailing sides of the cattle bar have a stepped configuration.  
   
   
       52 . The carrier bar according to  claim 47 , wherein the lower surface of the carrier bar includes a mounting flange that mates with a receiving groove of a carrier bar transport system.  
   
   
       53 . The carrier bar according to  claim 47 , wherein at least two vacuum holes are provided for each said at least one shaped pocket.  
   
   
       54 . The carrier bar according to  claim 47 , further comprising a resilient member provided in said deep end adjacent said vacuum hole.  
   
   
       55 . The carrier bar according to  claim 54 , wherein the resilient member is an 0-ring that surrounds said vacuum hole.  
   
   
       56 . The carrier bar according to  claim 47 , wherein each shaped recess is formed at least in part by a sleeve that reciprocates in a direction perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces of the carrier bar.  
   
   
       57 . The carrier bar according, to  claim 47 , wherein each shaped recess includes a porous resilient Portion.  
   
   
       58 . The carrier bar according to  claim 47 , wherein each shaped pocket includes guide-structure capable of longitudinally, laterally and rotationally positioning articles received within the shaped recess in a predetermined position.